Read More

The Canal & River Trust, which manages the country’s waterways, said it was heading to a “safe and secure location” outside Liverpool.

It said it had no choice but to move the ship, which was being used as a cafe bar, because it did not have a license to be in the dock.

The owner Alan Roberts was seen today threatening to throw himself into the Mersey as his ship was being towed away.

Mr Roberts shouted “Stop, stop. It’s my ship, my ship”, with his arms open in a gesture of frustration.

Some ECHO readers thought the Trust were justified in towing away the boat, while others thought the consequences were harsh.

Paul Bigley said: “Council should have stepped in tbh. This has been there for as long as I can remember and I’d say is just as iconic and recognisable as the Mersey Ferries.

“It belongs in Liverpool.”

Josh VW Tomkins said: “I feel sorry for the guy. It’s sad to see it go! It’s a big part of Liverpool and he shouldn’t be charged to leave it there.”

Steve Nuttie said: “The cost of two tugs and transportation to Gloucester will far exceed the £10,000 owed... so who’s gonna pay that and pay to have it returned if indeed he does pay what’s outstanding?

“The Planet BELONGS in Liverpool as part of the city’s outstanding maritime heritage! What about the rotting boats in the north east corner of the Albert Dock? is someone paying mooring fees on these? This water also belongs to CRT (Canal River Trust)!”

Alyx Jones said: “Devastated to see this going! It was only a few months ago that I was on board.”

Read More

David Lang said: “Classic... Can’t pay we’ll take it away. Hope someone purchases it and returns it to its mooring spot as an ongoing concern as it was a well known sight when you went the Albert docks.”

While Luke Crellin said: “I’d sooner feel sorry to the young family’s having their tellys taken away for not being able to pay bills. Lets be honest I doubt this fella is short of a few quid.”

Ged Strong said: “It was a bit of an eyesore on an otherwise beautiful part of the Liverpool waterfront.”

But Susan Jones said: “It’s not an eye sore at all it’s a beautiful vessel. My hubby was on it when he was a young boy so it’s got memories for lots of Liverpool people. I think it’s called history and memories.”